After spending two long nights sleeping on planes, I was happy to be back in the U.S. today. I checked my Twitter feed upon landing (hooray for Twitter, FB, and Blogger not being blocked!) and realized that today was a good day to return…
Me (shooting up from my airplane seat, suddenly alert): “The Jason Wu for Target line is launching this morning! How convenient!!”
Groggy Nick: “Wha? What’s that?”
Me (sly smile creeping across face): “Stores open in one hour!”
Unamused Nick: “You’re kidding me, right.”
I would typically never subject my boyfriend to the madness of women at a collaboration launch, but my local Target is outside of the city and I don’t drive in Boston (for good reason). After some coaxing and promises of an “American breakfast” afterwards, we dropped off our luggage and were on our way.
I arrived at 7:45AM and there were about 20 people in line ahead of me. We were told that each shopper was limited to 6 pieces from the collection. I was relieved to hear this, as there were definitely some eBay’ers ahead of me (unless they were generous husbands/grandmothers picking up merchandise for loved ones?). When doors opened at 8AM sharp, I speed-walked in and grabbed every XS I could find. All dresses were already snatched up except for this one, which I was happy to grab:
Preface: All clothing in this collection is in women’s regular sizing. Sizing seems to run normal for a women’s regular line, which means it will probably not fit extra petite ladies without alterations. Most items have a boxy cut, with a straight-up-and-down silhouette when un-belted. Everything seems to be sold out online today, but Target might quietly restock like they did with Missoni.
Now, on to this dress. This piece appeared unflattering on models in both stock photos and ads, but in-person, I thought it was one of the more interesting pieces of the collection. I love the combination of goldenrod and black against blush pink, as well as the details like a simple collar, pearly buttons, and scalloped trim on the front pleats. This would be lovely for brunch in the spring, and can also be business-casual appropriate in warmer weather.
On me (~ 5 feet tall, 32-24-32), this dress needs some slimming along the torso to make the armholes a bit smaller, and to rectify the bunching back as shown below. The belt loops also fall below my actual waist, so I would move those an inch or two upwards. Another aspect I don’t love about this dress that can’t be changed is the wide angled cap sleeves.
Old Navy jeggings in 0 Short, CL Decolette Pumps (starts in sz 4, now also in nude)
This blouse is boxy like everything else in the collection, but drapes well enough that it doesn’t need alterations on someone my size. I like how it looks worn casually with jeans or tucked into a pencil skirt. The blouse does poof out when fully tucked in, so I would slim the sides a little or layer on a cardigan / blazer.
In the ads, this top looked gorgeous paired with the floral pleated skirt. On the hanger, it looked wide and tent-like. Nick took one look and scoffed, and I almost put it back, but decided there was no harm in bringing it home to try on.
When worn, this top was surprisingly girly and pretty. I love the dotted mesh against the navy floral and can see this top (as well as many others in this collection) pairing perfectly with crisp white skinny jeans. I added a yellow belt for fun and the resulting look wasn’t too bad – almost like a peplum silhouette.
$22.99
These 100% rayon tees were a definite no for me. The material was stretchy and cool to the touch, but felt like they would pill after a few wash n’ wears. The tees looked similar to stuff you can get at H&M; any day. The twisted-ness of the neck is also more visible with the black trim, making the quality look cheap.
The skirts and dresses in numerical sizing all started at size 2. I wasn’t too disappointed about not finding any pleated skirts or dresses because they would require costly alterations, anyways. This skirt is 100% cotton and feels like a stiffer poplin material. I like the grosgrain ribbon waist, the pockets (sucker for pockets), and front pleats, but found the printed material to look a bit tacky.
Readers – Out of #1-3, help me decide which piece(s) to keep! If any of you also shopped this collection, I’d love to hear what you got!
I'm so glad you got your hands on some stuff – I went this morning and nothing was left but L and XL! I wanted to smack the guys holding multiples of JW dresses who were clearly just eBayers. But after feeling the material of the clothes, I would say this line was overrated and not really worth it … I probably would just eBay everything just like all the scavengers (hypocrite!) 🙂
Oy… sorry, Jean, but I don't think any of those pieces look good. 🙁 I've never been impressed by any of the collaborations Target has had with well-known designers, and this is no exception. They look like clothes you'd find in the clearance rack at Ross Dress for Less. Not that you can't ever find good things at Ross… but you know what I mean.
Welcome back! You were missed. I live in small-town USA & was shocked to find my local stores picked over by 11:30, when I arrived. I tried on the same dress (above) but passed as I wasn't in love w/ it on me. It looks better on you. I also passed on the knit bow shirts you mentioned. I came home w/ a blush/white polka dot short sleeve bow button down. It looks just like your blue one above. I too thought it looked huge on the hanger but better on. Haven't decided if I'm keeping it yet. I think it was 37$ – a bit expensive. I would've liked to see the purses in person. Only had totes & scarves left by the time I arrived.
Shy
The JW collection was sold out in my Target store by 8:15 this morning. The first 2 ladies in line grabbed ALL the scarves and purses. They left nothing for anyone. One lady commented that a button fell off as she was trying the blouse on.
The blue floral with the mesh looks like best.
On another note, doesn't this outfit look familiar?
http://www.jacob.ca/look-53
I managed to snag the Poplin dress with the red and pink stripes on the bottom. It was the only thing I wanted from the collection and I had to stalk the fitting rooms for anyone leaving it behind. Glad I got it. It is going to be my post baby dress goal 🙂
these are all so pretty! i love how each top looks sophisticated.
i need to check these out pronto.
🙂
Carrie
http://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/
#3 is a keeper for me — such a cute print, and fun for spring. It's nice to see how the collection is on a real person — I was too lazy to haul over to my local Target this morning and it's less than 1/2 mile away1
I'm voting for the dress. With a little alteration, think it will be a great summer dress. I had my eyes on the tops with bows but after you pointing out the twisted ribbon part on the collar, it kind of look awkward to me now. I live in Canada and unfortunately we can't have Target shipped anything to us. Have to go to ebay for ridiculously-priced ones. I am only thinking about the stripe tee/stripe dress now.
The only thing that enticed me from the collection is the bags, and I don't want to pay $30 minimum for purses that aren't leather.
I like the blue shirt with the bow!
Thanks for the timely reviews! I had my eye on the blush and yellow striped shift as well, and ordered it online this morning. Unfortunately I thought the sizing would be similar to previous collaborations so I sized up to a small on the dress for more length. I'm not extra petite though, so I think if the XS fits you alright it seems I might be okay with the S afterall! whew. It's the most striking design in the collection I think!
I like the blue dotted blouse on you. I like the concept of the dress but agree that you'll need to make several alterations, not really worth it 🙁
I'm so glad to see you post this because it definitely killed my lemmings!
Hi Jean!
Welcome home! I really like navy printed tops on you. They look a little big when untucked and unbelted, but once you bring them in with a belt or tuck them in – I think they look adorable on you. I have to be honest and say that these outfits are not my favorites on you, but you still look pretty darn cute in them! I would consider keeping the blue tops. I can see them being worn all sorts of ways throughout the Spring. They would look cute with white jeans and some cute sandals, or a skirt for work – or even some white sailor type pants? I don't like the dress for some reason. I know it's your favorite piece, but it just swallows you. It's so cute, and I know how it is when you really love a piece, and want it to work but I just don't know if you should keep it. I can't tell you how many times that I have fallen in love with a piece of clothing on the hanger and convinced myself that it really looked good on me (just because I loved it soooo much) when in reality it didn't. I'm just not sure about the dress. If you absolutely love it, then keep it, but I have seen other dresses more flattering on you. Let us know what you decide to keep!
Lisanne
A definite no-no on the nude top and lace skirt. I like the dotted blouse with jeans look. That dress is not my favorite dress in the collection…
You are back, yah!!!
I think you can wear anything and make it look good. That said, I wouldn't keep anything you don't love, no matter the price.
Wish my store had the 6 piece limit. I saw some people bartering this morning, pretty funny…
I'm so jealous you got the pink dress! the target I went to was crazy, I was like 30th in line and I couldn't get any of the things I really wanted =( if you decide to return that dress, could I buy it from you instead of you returning it to the store?
~Stephanie
wow you got so many pieces, Jean! the target i went to didn't limit pieces so two grandmothers ahead of me in line snatched quite a bit. i really liked the floral one with mesh but felt it was a bit box&short; so i ultimately left with the rayon bow tee. it looks like the dotted bow tie blouse fits you best! i also like the look of the mesh one belted!
Keep: the navy floral
Loose: The whole tacky oversized lace-like skirt & rayon top
I'd say return all of them. The best fitting/looking piece is the blue floral top with the mesh. Even that, I think the blue does nothing for your complexion and it's reminiscent of something you'd find in Forever 21. AKA not worth it! Good luck with your decision. I'm so impressed that you did this post on your first day back. Even though Canada doesn't have Target and this is of no interest to me, I still appreciate the effort behind the post!
I'm not sure if I'm liking this collection. The only piece I might keep is the last shirt and I'd definitely get it slimmed or something.
The mesh top looks the best on you. It's too bad that this line is not petite-friendly. I bought quite a few items online and can't wait to see how they fit. I am about your size as well so I am certain I will return most of the items. For those who are interested, a fellow Jason Wu shopper created a page on Facebook where everyone can either swap, buy, or sell. This could be a great alternate to eBay/Craigslist where people are adding ridiculous premiums! https://www.facebook.com/groups/280868738646433/. Enjoy!
I wanted that dress! And I bought the navy top. I wish my store had enforced some rules. I had a group of re-sellers in front of me (4 to be exact) and I was the 5th person. The girl was having all her friends grab everything for her.. They pretty much robbed the store. Everyone was left with some sloppy seconds.. smh. But I did leave with some nice items -just not what I wanted MOST. =( I really wanted the light blue skirt.
You scored some nice things! Love the dress on you and the dotted mesh top is really pretty.
Keep the mesh floral top for sure! The blue dotted top is quite nice as well 🙂 I hope you had fun on your trip!
In any case, I think everything looks good on you! I'm jealous, I wish we had a Target in the Netherlands. xo
Angie
I do love the two blue blouses surprisingly, especially when you belt the mesh topped one – the color belt you chose looks great! I think the dress would look fabulous after alterations. Surprisingly, I am liking this collection a lot after seeing these pieces on you, thanks for making a dash for them!
I also feel that the collection is not what it was touted. I didn't even wake up early. By the time I rolled around to Target around 10ish, there were none of the black pieces I'd wanted to look at (the dress, pleated skirt and trench) but I found the clutch I wanted. There were two but the craftmanship was so shoddy on one that I ended up leaving it anyway. I also posted photos on my blog of it, but my review is more of why designer collaborations just…fail.
I would not pay more than the $30 I paid for my clutch, but that is just because I wouldn't pay more than that for a straw bag from Target to begin with! I think that people really do expect more, but the tag itself says "Made in China" and it's not a great deal if you have to shell out a ton of money for alterations. I encourage people to NOT buy from the resellers on eBay and wait to buy the pieces for the regular price once all of them have to return their wares.
Hi Jean,
I like the navy blouse and the dress. I was at my Target before 7 and it was a good thing because by 8 there were about 50 people. I knew everything would be too big but I'll get the stuff I like altered. After seeing the dressing you, I kind of wish I'd picked it up. I got the floral blouse and matching skirt (very big on me in a 2), the tie neck button down in pink and the button down nude as well. I was lucky to get the smallest sizes. It was crazy though! Within 5 minutes all the accessories were gone, even thoughmy store had a 2 per item per style limit for accessories.
I agree, I think the 1st dress has potential 🙂
oh darn. I like how the floral sleeveless looks on you. I passed on it b/c of how it looked on the hanger. Good for you for taking the chance.
love your style! X
Love,
Zizi: http://www.zizistyling.blogspot.com
My favorite is the dress (#1) on you. I saw it in person and thought it was darling. I went to the Target at South Bay this morning and there were people there but no limits on how much you could buy.
I love the dotted blouse and the mesh floral top on you! I wish more of the items were available online – a lot of the things I wanted are in stores only and I don't want to put up with crowds 🙁
Hmm this collection seems rather disappointing 🙁 The first dress is way too overwhelming on you, I like the blue blouse on you, but I feel like the blue floral mesh top is a little too teen/forever21-cheap looking. :/
I'm not really impressed with this collection. However, I do like the way the pleated dress looks on you when belted.
Welcome back Jean! Can't wait to hear more about your trip. I like the navy dot blouse and the floral sleeveless top. My store have a limited selection. I tried on 10 pieces and decided bring home the navy dot blouse to think about it.
Jean, I don't think any of the pieces look that special. If I were you, I wouldn't keep any of them. But if I had to choose one, I would vote for the mesh top; it's a tad better than the others.
I went to Target at 7:45 this morning and there were 30 people before me. Unfortunately, this store has no limit per person, so all of the small sizes were gone by the time I got into the store. But it was ok because I was not impressed by the designs. Some look very average, and others look geriatric. The quality is not that great either. And most pieces have very roomy midsections, not great for ladies with small waists. Overall, disappointed by this collection.
I would keep 2 and 3 :-). It's so cool that you were able to scored the dress in XS. I ordered mine off the site but only manage to get Small. The dress look super cute but a tad big for you :-). I got some items on the mail still so I can't wait to get it and do a blog post on it. Nice to have you back ^-^
I've been waiting for something like this!I know how crazy it can get at a Target collab opening event, so I held back. Maybe there are a few pieces left…Idk but I enjoyed your post all the same. Since summer is coming soon I'd go with three!
xoxo,
Genie
http://www.uniqueandchicstyle.blogspot.com
I wish they had instated the 6 item limit at my Target…there were definitely some eBayers! I love #3, I wanted to get that but they didn't have anything close to my size.
I went to three stores this morning with two kiddos in tow! I bought these:
*the same navy dots blouse s (keep)
*the nude/white dots blouse s (maybe)
*the dress version of the navy floral top s (keep)
*the nude tee with black bow xs (maybe)
*the nude long sleeved blouse s (return, too poofy)
*the striped navy/red jersey dress s (return, too clingy for my bottom)
*the black pleats skirt 10 (return, falls strangely)
for reference I'm 5'2, pear shaped, and 120 lbs. all the bags and accessories are nowhere to be found during my trip, too bad since I'd really like to see the quality in person.
I'm also interested in that stripey dress, but I could only find a Medium, boo!
I agree – been having a hard time lately shelling out for alterations on anything. If I keep anything here that requires alterations I'd be doing them myself.
Welcome back, Jean! Hope you had a wonderful trip.
I'd keep #3! It looks very pretty on you, and I like the way it looks belted.
I think you should keep #1 and #3! I went shopping for the collection in a non metropolitan area and didn't get the 6 piece limit so I ended up spending $500! Ridiculous right? But I can't help it I absolutely love Jason Wu's designs. I didn't get any of the accessories though (I was too slow 🙁 )
I too got the navy dot blouse and the blush tshirt with black tie but didn't like the look and quality so I'll definitely be returning.
The blue dotted blouse for sure! It has the best fit and style. I love Jason Wu but why waste your money on alterations for mediocre clothes?
I wish Target was in Canada ALREADY!!!
I vote for the dress as well. I think that is the most interesting piece out of everything.
I agree! I do not like any of it all! The colors are horrible !
I was only able to get the navy scarf. I like it a lot but was disappointed that the selection was so small at two Target stores in Austin. I was one of the first in at one Target but it did not help.
Hi! Ahh i think the JW line is beautiful… I did a post on my favorite items (http://classicglamblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/jason-wu-for-target.html) I agree with you about the shirt with the black bow: H&M-esq;!
Please, please come on over to the Classic+Glam Blog and if you like it, follow! Your support is needed and appreciated!
Have a great weekend. Best wishes from,
classicglamblog.blogspot.com
Thanks for the reviews, Jean! To be honest, I don't think the fit of any of the items are flattering, but I would be curious to see how the first dress looks on you post alterations. If you were to keep any of the items you purchased, I vote for the dress!